EDUCATIONAL 
PLAYS AND DRAMAS 



AN 

"AT HOME" 

ON 

MOUNT PARNASSUS 

PRICE, 25 CENTS 



EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING CO. 

Boston New York Chicago San Francisco 



AN "AT HOME" 

ON 

MOUNT PARNASSUS 



A PAGEANT PLAY 



BY 

FRANCES E. CLARKE 

Teacher of English in the Brooklyn Training School for Teachers 



EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING COMPANY 

BOSTON 

New York Chicago San Francisco 






Copyright, 191 2 

BY 

EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING COMPANY 



&CU326190 



TMP92-008845 






PREFACE 

The characters in this little play are taken from the 
literature assigned for study and reading in the Course 
of Study for the Elementary Schools of Greater New York. 
The lines spoken are intended to be indicative of the 
characters, and are in several instances free paraphrases 
of passages in the works in which the characters are found. 
Representation may be further secured by correct costum- 
ing and by music which is suggestive of the character or 
characters it preludes. 

No attempt has been made to develop a theme or to 
construct a plot. The aim is to represent correctly and 
to bring together in happy concourse characters well 
known and well beloved by the child. 



SUGGESTIONS FOR COSTUMING 

The Prologue 

White tunic reaching to knees; white toga draped from left 
shoulder across back, under right arm and across chest, one 
end extending to hem of tunic in front, the other to hem of 
tunic in back; buckle clasps toga where ends cross on left 
shoulder; white stockings and sandals with white lacings cross- 
gartered halfway to knee; scroll. 
Athene 

Long, flowing tunic bordered with gilt; over tunic extend- 
ing from shoulders to a little below the Empire waist-line; white 
toga draped over left shoulder and under right arm; white 
staff with gilt head; gilt helmet or hair dressed high and bound 
with gilt bands. 
Muses 

One costume may consist of tunic with Empire waist; an- 
other of tunic with over-tunic extending to knees; another of 
tunic bound about shoulders and waist with heavy cord. Pretty 
designs and patterns for Greek costumes may be found at all 
dress pattern counters. 

Clio wears a laurel wreath and carries a book and stylus; 
Euterpe carries a flute and is draped with garlands of flowers; 
Thalia wears a crown of wild flowers and carries a shepherd's 
crook and a mask; Melpomene wears a crown of gold and 
carries a dagger and scepter; Erato carries a lyre; Polyhymnia 
carries a scepter; Calliope wears a laurel wreath; Urania car- 
ries mathematical instruments; Terpsichore appears dancing. 
Hermes 

Same costume as that for Prologue. On his ankles and on 
his low crowned broad-brimmed gilt hat are small wings made 
of pasteboard and gilded. He carries a caduceus, or wand, 
twined with two snakes and surmounted by two wings (this 
may be made of wood, pasteboard and white crepe paper; 
wings and heads of snakes should be gilded). 



Suggestions for Costuming 5 

Miles Standish 

Dark blue or dark gray coat, similar in length and sha^e to a 
frock-coat; short, full trousers gathered into a band at the 
knee; long black stockings; low shoes with broad buckle; 
black moustache and short beard; armor and helmet of the 
Puritan period (this may be made of pasteboard and silver 
paper; or it may be hired from a costumer; or it may be omitted, 
a sword and large felt hat being substituted). 

Prisctlla 

Gray dress with plain waist and full skirt; kerchief and deep 
cuffs and cap of sheer lawn. 

John Alden 

Costume similar to that of Miles Standish; no armor; broad 
square-cut collar extending almost to shoulder, and deep cuffs 
of lawn; high-crowned, broad-trimmed, dark felt hat. 
Alice in Wonderland 

White dress; plain waist, full skirt and very short puffed 
sleeves; short white ruffled apron with bib and with tiny pocket 
on right just below waist-line; white stockings; black slippers. 
Straight hair combed back plain from forehead falls below 
shoulders and is bound with black velvet snood. 

Queen of Hearts 

Long, stiff white dress of paper muslin, decorated with red 
paper hearts of various sizes; demi-train; crown of red card- 
board cut heart shape; large red heart-shaped fan. Someone 
short and fat should impersonate this character. 
Ivanhoe, Rowena, Wamba 

(See description in Scott's "Ivanhoe") 

Brer Rabbit 

One piece suit made of Daisy flannel similar to rompers, but 
with long sleeves and long drawers, ending in paw-shaped 
mittens and feet; cap with long rabbit ears to be attached to 
neck of suit (only the face is seen); crimson cambric coat, vest 
and trousers. 



6 Suggestions for Costuming 

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm 

Glossy buff calico dress buttoned up front; light brown straw 
hat with brown quills; tan stockings and slippers; small pink 
parasol; buff cotton gloves; bunch of lilacs. A slender, ani- 
mated dark-haired, dark-eyed, child of ten should impersonate 
this character. 
Ichabod Crane 

Short-sleeved, long-skirted, black coat; black vest; white 
shirt with turnover collar; no cuffs; shabby black tie; baggy, 
short-legged, black trousers; small, black wool hat; black 
stockings; long-toed black slippers. 
Katrina Van Tassel 

Full crimson skirt, ankle length; black bodice or stomacher; 
full white lawn waist with round neck and with full elbow 
sleeves; white stockings; black slippers. Hair parted in middle 
and braided in two braids. 
Paul Revere 

White negligee shirt thrown open at neck and sleeves rolled 
above elbows; short, tight-fitting black trousers; high-topped 
1 lack boots with spurs; three-cornered black felt hat; rifle 
hanging at right side from a strap extending across the chest 
and over the left shoulder. 
Bo-Peep 

Light blue cotton waist with low neck and short sleeves; 
dark blue velvet bodice; short, light blue cotton skirt with 
darker blue overskirt; light blue hat, flower-trimmed and 
tied under chin with light blue ribbons; light blue stockings 
and slippers; a crook tied with light blue ribbons. 
Boy Blue 

Light blue coat, shirt, trousers, stockings, slippers and cap. 

HUMPTY DUMPTY 

Wire frame shaped like an egg and covered with white 
Daisy flannel or cotton, with face painted on it (extending 
from above the head to the hips); short trousers of material 



Suggestions for Costuming 7 

used for covering frame; white stockings and slippers. Arms 
may be encased within frame, or if they protrude, should be 
covered with material used on frame. 
Robinson Crusoe 

Goat-skin trousers, goat-skin coat and goat-skin peaked 
hat; sandals with thongs crossed above ankles; legs bare or 
covered with coarse stockings; basket strapped to back; gun. 
Friday 

Black fleshings; tobacco-leaf belt; black wig; black grease 
paint for face, neck and hands. Or, black ragged coat and 
short trousers and shoes; black wig. 
King Arthur 

Costume consists of complete armor; a casque, gorget, cuirass, 
gauntlets, tasses, covering for lower legs and feet, and sword. 
(If there is difficulty in costuming this character, it may be 
easily omitted.) 
Grave Alice, Laughing Allegra, Edith 

Simple white dresses; Empire waist-line; broad sashes. 
Hair falls loosely about shoulders. 

Aladdin 

Costume is similar to that of the Chinese. Long-sleeved 
tunic or shirt extending to knees; long-legged trousers; Chinese 
slippers; wig with queue; a brass lamp of antique shape. 

Mrs. Ruggles 

Neat calico dress and apron. Hair drawn back tightly from 
forehead, and twisted into knob on the crown of her head. 

Sarah Maud 

Faded dark blue cloth dress with a row of large brass buttons 
sewed up the front. 

Larry A dress made out of an old plaid shawl. 
Rip Van Winkle 

Soiled, ragged coat, vest, trousers and shoes; a wig and 
beard of long white hair; an old gun. 



8 Suggestions for Costuming 

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum 

Bright green shirts and long white duck trousers; grec <md 
white striped caps; broad white collars with Dee in large 
letters on one and Dum on the other; long-toed black slippers; 
faces to be made up grotesquely. These characters should 
be assigned to persons very short and very fat. 

Hiawatha 

Indian boy's costume of khaki material, trimmed with red 
braid and wampum; long trousers with sides trimmed with 
fringe made of khaki; a head band of feathers; moccasins; 
a bow and arrow. 

Portia 

Long cloak of scarlet-colored cambric fastened down front; 
bishop sleeves gathered into deep bands at wrists; deep cuffs 
and stock collar of white lawn; a round crown-like cap made 
of pasteboard and covered with scarlet cambric. 

Shylock 

A dark brown cloak extending from neck to feet and fastened 
down the front; long flowing sleeves; a. belt to which is attached 
a wallet; a wig and a beard of gray hair; a knife with long, 
broad blade; scales. 
Snow White 

White dress; white stockings and slippers. Character 
should be impersonated by child with golden hair. 
Rose Red 

Red dress; red stockings and slippers. Character should 
be impersonated by child with dark hair. 
Dwarf 

A short coat, short trousers, pointed cap and a large bag, 
all of brown cambric; brown stockings and slippers; wig and 
long beard of gray hair. The bag is carried on his back by the 
Dwarf and since it is supposed to contain his treasures, it should 
be well stuffed out with paper. 



Suggestions for Costuming 9 

Village Blacksmith 

A white or gray negligee shirt opened at neck; sleeves rolled 
up; black trousers; a leather apron; a small bellows or 
hammer. 
Lord Fauntleroy 

Black velvet coat and trousers; deep cuffs and broad collar of 
lace; broad black silk sash tied about waist with ends at side; 
black silk stockings and black slippers. 
Ulysses 

Long purple tunic; purple toga; bow and quiver of shafts. 
Material, purple cambric or cotton. 

Lady of the Lake 

Long, flowing, white tunic -like garment of cotton crepe or 
lawn; a plaid draped over left shoulder and fastened on right 
hip with ends extending almost to hem of garments; hair, 
bound only by a snood, falls loose over shoulders. 

Pied Piper 

Yellow cotton shirt with long sleeves; red cambric or cotton 
vest; short yellow cambric or cotton trousers; yellow stockings, 
tan slippers; long red cloak lined with yellow and fastened at 
either shoulder; pointed red cap; flute or pipe. 
Barefoot Boy 

Ragged white cotton shirt open at neck; sleeves rolled over at 
elbows; short, ragged trousers; frayed broad-trimmed straw 
hat; legs and feet bare. 
Last Minstrel 

Long cloak of gray cambric with hood drawn over head; 
long flowing sleeves; a belt with wallet attached; wig and a 
long beard of gray hair; a staff; a small harp which may be 
made of pasteboard and covered with gilt paper. 
Minstrel's Boy 

Short tunic of brown cambric; brown cord tied about waist; 
sandals; legs and arms bare. 



CHARACTERS IN ORDER OF ENTRANCE 

Prologue 

Athene and the Muses 

Hermes 

Miles Standish, Priscilla and John Alden 

Alice in Wonderland and the Queen of Hearts 

Ivanhoe, Rowena and Wamba 

Brer Rabbit 

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm 

Ichabod Crane and Katrina Van Tassel 

Paul Revere 

Robinson Crusoe and Friday 

King Arthur 

Aladdin 

The Ruggleses 

Rip Van Winkle 

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum 

Hiawatha 

Portia and Shylock 

Snow White, Rose Red and the Dwarf 

Village Blacksmith 

Lord Fauntleroy 

Ulysses 

Lady of the Lake 

Bo-Peep, Boy Blue, and Humpty Dumpty 

The Pied Piper 

The Barefoot Boy 

The Last Minstrel and Boy 

Time: The present 

Place: The abode of Athene on Mount Parnassus. 



AN "AT HOME" 
ON MOUNT PARNASSUS 



PROLOGUE 

(The Prologue appears be j ore the curtain 
in Greek costume.) 

The Prologue Mythology tells us that 
Athene, the Goddess of Wisdom, and the nine 
Muses were wont to hold symposiums from 
time to time in their abode on Mount Parnassus. 
To these learned debates were summoned those 
of mortal kind who had attained fame through 
the arts inspired by the Muses. If poetry were 
the subject of discussion, the great poets were 
bidden; if music, the inspired musicians; if 
science, the renowned scientists. 

To-day, one of these assemblies is to be 
held. The hour, on this occasion, is to be 
spent, not in learned debate, but in social 
pleasure. The guests of honor are to be 



12 An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 

certain well-known characters in children's 
literature. As they enter, they will be an- 
nounced by Hermes, the Winged Messenger 
of the Gods. 

[Exit The Prologue 

AN "AT HOME" ON MOUNT PARNASSUS 

(The Court of Athene. To the right, a throne. 
At center back, a broad doorway through which 
can be seen a hall leading to the entrance of the 
palace. 

Athene followed by the nine Muses enters 
very slowly to stately music. Each Muse carries 
symbols of her art; Clio, a laurel wreath and a 
book and stylus; Euterpe, a flute and garlands 
of fragrant flowers; Thalia, a crown of wild 
flowers and a shepherd'' s crook and mask; Mel- 
pomene, a crown of gold and a dagger and scep- 
ter; Erato, a lyre; Polyhymnia, a scepter; 
Calliope, a laurel wreath; Urania, mathe- 
matical instruments; Terpsichore appears 
dancing.) 

Athene (standing near throne) The hour 
draws nigh when they who have been bidden 



An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 13 

thither should present themselves. Call 
Hermes. 

(Hermes enters center back.) 

Athene (seated on throne) Hast thou borne 
my message to every guest whose presence I 
desire ? 

Hermes Aye, Goddess Athene. They all 
have accepted and at the appointed hour, they 
purpose to present themselves. Even now I 
hear someone seeking admittance. 

Athene Bid the attendants open wide the 
portals. 

Hermes (at door center, calls in loud voice 
off stage) Open wide the portals that the 
guests may enter. 

A Muse Who are the guests whom thou 
hast bidden to this assembly? 

Athene Those who have been accorded their 
high places in my art by the child. Each he 
has passed upon with wisdom. Many has he 
approved because they make him laugh; a 
few, because they make him weep. Some he 
esteems for their humble virtues; others for 



14 An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 

their deeds of valor and prowess; some for 
their secluded lives in cottage, field and wood, 
others for their rich estate and great careers; 
some for their adventures on sea and desert 
island, others for their magic power and fairy- 
land existence. But whether they dwell in 
myth or legend, fiction or history, poetry or 
prose, they are here to-day because by him 
they are beloved. 

(Hermes stands at left of center entrance as he 
announces the guests. All characters enter at 
center back.) 

Music: A martial air 

Hermes Captain Miles Standish, Priscilla 
and John Alden. 

{They enter; Standish and Priscilla to- 
gether; John Alden behind twirling his hat.) 

Standish {bowing before Athene) We are 
the first to-day, I see, just as we were the first 
to settle in the New World. 

Athene {laughing) But we extend you a 



An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 15 

more cordial greeting than did the savage and 
your first New England winter. 

Music: Suggestive of fairyland 

Hermes Alice in Wonderland and the Queen 
of Hearts. 

(They enter, Alice ahead; the Queen waddling 
after her. Queen stops to stare at Hermes 
while Alice bows before Athene.) 

Queen (standing before Athene) Rise, 
Queen! One Queen may not greet another 
Queen seated! 

(Athene smiling, half rises and bows. 
Queen bows stiffly. Two Muses present Alice 
and Queen to Puritans.) 

Queen (to Miles Standish, who has barely 
recognized the introduction) Beautiful weather 
we're having. 

(Standish merely nods his head.) 

Queen (rapping him on the arm with her 
fan) Beautiful weather we are having! 



16 An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 

(Standish again nods his head and moves 
a iv ay from her.) 

Queen {in a loud and awful voice) Off with 
his head! Off with his ! 

Standish (in same loud and awful voice) 
Nonsense! 

A Muse (hurrying to Queen) Consider, fair 
Queen, that Captain Standish is a maker of war, 
not a maker of phrases; a man, not of words 
but of actions. Pray talk with me. 

(They move across stage, the Queen glaring 
back at Standish, who stands with folded arms.) 

Music 

Hermes Ivanhoe of Rotherwood, Lady 
Rowena and Wamba. 

(Ivanhoe and Rowena enter together and 
slowly advance toward Athene. As they bow 
before her, Wamba enters in Jester's costume, 
all his bells tinkling.) 

Ivanhoe (bowing low before Athene) 
Wilfred of Ivanhoe, son of Cedric the Saxon, 



An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 17 

pays homage to Athene. I present the Lady 
Rowena. (Rowena makes court courtesy.) 

Wamba (coming forward with a flourish 
and bowing in mock courtesy) I, Madam, am 
no less deserving of an introduction. Be it 
known that I am Wamba, son of Witless, who 
was the son of Weatherbrain, who was the son 
of an alderman. A fool by right of descent. 

Athene (laughing) Thou art welcome for 
thy wit. 

Music 

Hermes Brer Rabbit. 

Rabbit enters and running to Athene bows 
before her. Alice then runs to him and lead- 
ing him across stage left, holds him in mimic 
conversation.) 

Music 
Hermes Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. 

(She appears as she was the day of her arrival 
at the home of her Aunt Miranda. She wears 
the brown dress buttoned up the front, and the 
little brown hat with the much detested quills. 



1 8 An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 

She carries the beloved pink parasol and a bunch 
oj country flowers. For a moment she stands 
in the doorway looking at Athene and then go- 
ing timidly jorward she holds out to the Goddess 
the bunch oj country flowers.) 

Rebecca Mother sent them. 

Athene They are very lovely. 

Alice {to Rebecca, toward whom she has been 
shyly walking) I am Alice and I have seen all 
Wonderland. 

Rebecca I am Rebecca Rowena Randall. 
My mother's name is Aurelia Randall. Our 
names are Hannah Lucy Randall Rebecca 
Rowena Randall, John Halifax Randall, Jenny 
Lind Randall, Marquis Randall, Fanny Ellsler 
Randall, and Miranda Randall. Mother named 
half of us and father named the other half. 
We are all named after somebody in particular. 
I'm named after Rebecca and Rowena in Scott's 
"Ivanhoe." 

Alice Lady Rowena herself is here. She 
is beautiful! I'll introduce you to her. (She 
takes Rebecca to Lady Rowena, who greets 
her cordially.) 



An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 19 
Music 

Hermes Ichabod Crane and Katrina Van 
Tassel. 

{They enter, IchABOD awkwardly. Going to 
Athene, they bow before her and are then led 
away by the Muses and introduced to other 
characters. Laughter greets the entrance oj IchA- 
BOD. The guests move about talking with one 
another. All conversation is suddenly hushed 
by the sound 0} galloping hoof-beats.) 

Music: A martial air 

Hermes (excitedly) Paul Revere! 

Revere (dashing on to stage) To arms! To 
arms! The British are coming by sea! Be 
up and armed! Give them ball for ball! On 
every man rests the fate of a nation! (He stops 
suddenly, puts his hand to his forehead as if to 
recall himself, and then going slowly across to 
Athene he bows before her.) 

Music 



20 An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 

Hermes Robinson Crusoe and his man 
Friday. 

(Crusoe appears in goat-skin coat, trousers 
and hood, and with a parrot perched on his 
shoulder. As he enters, he shields his eyes with 
his hand and peers about. Friday peers over 
Crusoe's shoulder. When Crusoe has spied 
out Athene, he goes to her and kneels on one 
knee be j ore her. Friday stealthily follows, glanc- 
ing at the guests with alarm. As he reaches 
the center oj the stage, Wamba leaps forward. 
Friday gives a cry of alarm and tries to seek 
covert behind various guests. As excitement 
subsides, Friday is led to Athene by Crusoe, 
and prostrates himself before her.) 

Music 

Hermes King Arthur. 

A Muse (as he enters) Arthur, who in twelve 
great battles overcame the heathen hordes, and 
made a realm and reigned. 

Arthur (center) That which I have done may 
God within Himself make pure. But the old 
order hath changed to yield its place to new for 



An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 21 

God fulfils Himself in many ways, lest one good 
custom should corrupt the world. (Looking 
about at guests.) About me I see new men, 
strange faces, other minds. (He moves slowly 
towards Athene, who rises and standing receives 
his greeting.) 

Athene To pay just homage to the presence 
of a gracious king. 

Arthur (bowing be j ore Athene) To Wisdom, 
who guided my knights in the keeping of their 
vow, to live pure, speak true, right wrong, and 
follow their king. 

Music 

Hermes Aladdin and his magic lamp. 

(Music continues through this pantomime. 
Aladdin enters, slowly advancing toward the 
front oj the stage. The children move toward 
him. He stops at center front and raising the 
lamp above his head, he rubs it, while the electric 
lights, foot and arch, arc /lashed several times. 
The guests shield their eyes from the light with 
their hands. Aladdin, then going to Athene 
kneels and offers her the lamp.) 



22 An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 

Athene Thou must not part with that magic 
power that has made thee so beloved. 

Music: The Washwoman's Parade 

Hermes The Ruggleses and their mother, 
who was a Mc Grill. 

{The Ruggleses block doorway, pitching head- 
long over one another. Mrs. Ruggles elbows 
her way through her crowd of children, picks 
up Larry, who is sprawling on the floor, and 
sets him firmly on his feet. Then, much ruffled 
by the ill-manners of her children, she goes toward 
Athene, the little Ruggleses left giggling in 
the doorway.) 

Mrs. Ruggles (bobbing first on one foot and 
then on the other. Arms akimbo.) I hope I 
see you well, ma'am! 

Music 

(The little Ruggleses instantly form into 
line and in ascending scale of height with Larry 
at head and Sarah Maud bringing up the 
rear, they advance, lock-step, Indian- file.) 



An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 23 

Mrs. Ruggles (to her children) There! I 
knew yer'd do it in some sech fool way! Yer 
look for all the world like a gang o' pris'ners. 
There ain't no style ter that; spread out more, 
can't yer, 'n'act kind o' careless like — nobody's 
goin' ter kill ye! O the Lord have mercy on 
ye and help ye to act decent! 

(To this tirade, the Ruggleses listen sheep- 
ishly and then stalk up to Athene and bow 
awkwardly before her.) 

Music 

Hermes Rip Van Winkle. 

(He enters slowly and dazed.) 

Van Winkle (passing hand across forehead) 

that wicked flagon! What excuse shall I 
make to Dame Van Winkle? (Guests crowd 
around him. He looks wonderingly at them.) 

1 am a poor, quiet man, and a loyal subject 
of the King. God bless him! 

Paul Revere (rushing forward) A Tory! A 



24 An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 

Tory! A spy! A refugee! Hustle him! Away 
with him! (Guests hold him back.) 

A Muse (going toward Rip) Thou art living 
over the occurrences that followed thy twenty 
years' sleep. Arouse thyself and greet the God- 
dess Athene. (Rip gazes at her for a moment 
and then goes slowly across to Athene and bows 
be j ore her. He then draws himself up and rais- 
ing an imaginary glass he offers a toast to her 
and the guests.) 

Van Winkle " Here's to you and your friends! 
May they live long and prosper." 

Music 

Hermes Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. 

(They enter shoulder to shoulder, stand for a 
moment in the doorway staring at the guests, 
and then march in soldier fashion down stage 
and across right to the throne, where they bow 
together before Athene. Then, without a word, 
they turn, march across stage left, and stand staring 
at the audience.) 



An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 25 

Mrs. Ruggles (to Larry who is pulling at his 
sash) Larry Ruggles, how many times have 
I got to tell yer not ter keep pullin' at yer sash. 
Haven't I told yer if it comes untied, yer waist 
'n' skirt '11 part comp'ny in the middle, n' then 
where'll yer be ? 

Music 

Hermes Hiawatha. 

(He enters stealthily, as ij tracking game, his 
bow set with arrow. Brer Rabbit has trotted 
to center front stage and stands gazing at Hia- 
watha. When he is noticed by Hiawatha, 
he cries, " Do not shoot me, Hiawatha," and 
running to Athene, hides behind her throne. 
He peeks out from time to time at Hiawatha.) 

Hiawatha (after he has greeted Athene) 
Receive a greeting from Hiawatha, all ye who 
love a nation's legends, all ye who love the bal- 
lads of a people that like voices from afar off 
call to you to pause and listen, and speak to 
you in tones so plain and child-like that scarcely 



26 An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 

can the ear distinguish whether they are sung 
or spoken. 

(Rebecca, who has been drawn toward him 
as he speaks, now takes him by the hand and leads 
him over to Alice.) 

Music 

Hermes Portia and Shylock. 

(Portia enters followed at some distance by 
Shylock.) 

A Muse Portia and Shylock in each other's 
company? 

Portia To prove I am what Shylock said, 
"A wise and upright judge." 

Shylock And to prove that I would be 
friends with you and have your love and would 
forget the shames that you have stained me 
with. Therein, have I the true quality of that 
mercy Lady Portia preached. This kindness 
will I show. (They greet Athene.) 



An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 27 

Music 

Hermes Snow White, Rose Red and the 
Dwarf. 

(Snow White and Rose Red appear drag- 
ging in the Dwarf.) 

Dwarf (struggling to jree himself) You silly 
geese! You are pulling my coat full of holes 
and my arms out of their sockets! 

Snow White Don't be cross! We were 
afraid you would not come in, after we had got 
you to the door. 

(Snow White and Rose Red go forward to 
greet Athene. As the Dwarf starts to follow 
them, Wamba springs out and capers before him. 
All the children on the stage run forward laugh- 
ing, and joining hands they dance in a circle 
about Wamba and the Dwarf to lively music.) 

Music 

Hermes The Village Blacksmith. 
Blacksmith (bowing before Athene) I have 
come direct from the forge. 



-8 An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 

Athene You are no less welcome, worthy 
friend. 

Music 

Hermes Little Lord Fauntleroy. 

(He stands in the door for a moment with hand 
on hip and then goes slowly toward Athene.) 

Music 

Hermes Ulysses. 

(Ulysses enters with bow set and quiver full 
oj shafts and walks slowly toward Athene, the 
Muses following joyously yet reverently. He 
kneels before Athene. On rising he turns 
toward the Muses.) 

A Muse (holding out her hands) Welcome, 
Ulysses, Homer's immortal hero. We give you 
joyous greeting. 

Ulysses (bowing before her) No greater hom- 
age has been paid me than the favor of the 
Muses. Born of their inspiration were all my 



An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 29 

adventures, all my deeds of valor, and all my 
works 

Music: The Bagpipes 

Hermes The Lady of the Lake. 
Ellen (as she bows low bejore Athene) Ellen 
Douglas of Clan Alpine gives you greeting. 

Music 

Hermes Bo-Peep, Boy Blue, and Humpty 
Dumpty. 

(They enter one by one, bow bejore Athene, 
and are then greeted by the other children.) 

Music 

Hermes The Pied Piper. 

(He appears playing upon the flute and moves 
across stage slowly. The children dance dreamily 
after him. He bows to Athene and continuing 
his piping, he moves very slowly across stage 
left, the children still dancing behind him.) 



30 An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 

(Whistling is heard off stage. The Bare- 
foot Boy appears whistling " Yankee Doodle.'") 

Hermes (touching the boy on the shoulder as 
he passes unannounced) Your name! (Boy 
turns and looks at Hermes.) Ah! I recognize 
you. The Barefoot Boy. 

(He goes leisurely toward Athene, and taking 
off his tattered straw hat, he bows be j ore her.) 

Music 
Hermes The Last Minstrel. 

(He appears walking feebly, preceded by a 
boy carrying his harp.) 

Minstrel (bowing before Athene) 

The last of all the Bards am I, 
Who sung of Border chivalry; 
For, well-a-day! their date is fled, 
My tuneful brethren all are dead; 
And I, neglected and oppressed, 
Wish to be with them and at rest. 
No more on prancing palfrey borne, 



An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 31 

I carol, light as lark at morn, 

No longer courted and caress'd, 

High placed in hall, a welcome guest, 

I pour, to lord and lady gay, 

The unpremeditated lay: 

A wandering Harper, scorn'd and poor, 

I beg my bread from door to door, 

And tune, to please a peasant's ear, 

The harp a king once loved to hear. 

Athene The Bards are dead, but their songs 
will live forever. 

Hermes (advancing to Athene) The last 
guest has arrived. 

Athene (rising and speaking to the guests) 
Then, we will pass to the banquet hall where 
Hebe will preside over nectar and ambrosia. 

Music: A march 

(As music begins, Hermes walks down center and across 
right and stands before Athene as she descends the steps of her 
throne. He then leads grand march by preceding her directly 
across stage and through exit left. The other characters 
should walk toward the back of stage and take their places 
naturally in the grand march. To make the exit dignified and 
effective, each group of characters should be about five feet be- 



SEP 25 W* 

32 An "At Home" on Mount Parnassus 

hind the preceding and should walk slowly from back of stage 
directly to foot-lights and then across stage through exit left. 
No attempt should be made to keep step to the music.) 



1 . Hermes. 

2. Athene. 

3. Muses. (Two by two with Thalia last.) 

4. Mrs. Ruggles. (With evident satisfaction that she 

is leading all the other characters.) 

5. Sarah Maud with Larry. 

6. The Other Ruggleses. 

7. John Alden and Priscilla. 

8. Bo-Peep and Boy Blue. 

9. Shylock and Portia. 

10. Village Blacksmith and Barefoot Boy. 

11. Pied Piper. 

12. Grave Alice, Laughing Allegra and Edith with 

Golden Hair. 

13. Last Minstrel and Boy, and the Lady of the Lake. 

14. Ulysses. 

15. Lord Fauntleroy. 

16. Ichabod Crane and Katrina. 

17. Aladdin. 

18. Paul Revere and Rip Van Winkle. 

19. Snow White, Rose Red, and Dwarf. 

20. Miles Standish followed by Queen of Hearts. 

21. Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee. 

22. Ivanhoe and Rowena. followed by Wamba. 

23. King Arthur. 

24. Alice in Wonderland, Rebecca of Sunnybrook 

Farm and Humpty Dumpty. 

25. Robinson Crusoe and Friday. 

26. Hiawatha. 

27. Brer Rabbit. 



